Congregation Am Tikva

Address: 50 Sewall Ave, Brookline, MA 02446 (inside Temple Sinai)

Years Active: 1976–Present

Tradition: Judaism

Congregation Am Tikva (“Am Tikva” for short) was founded in 1976 as a religious community for LGBTQ+ Jews. Their name is Hebrew, and translates to “People of Hope”; according to their website, “a name with no chaf’s [כ] or chet’s [ח] and easy for all to pronounce.” This spirit of accessibility extends to all aspects of their operation, welcoming all people along the LGBTQ+ spectrum and adapting its worship with new liturgy and contributions from its members. The congregation describes itself as “a tree holding fast with strong roots and spreading beauty with broad branches.” After moving from spaces in Northeastern University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Beacon Hill, they eventually settled in Brookline’s Temple Sinai, a Reform temple, in 1991. They officially became a congregation in 2003. They continue to hold LGBTQ+ focused annual events like their Pride Liberation Seders, Queer Shabbat Retreats, and High Holy Day services.

Sources and Further Information

https://www.amtikva.org/history/

https://www.proquest.com/docview/205214214?parentSessionId=MO4ngN5JXOKLJFKr7MzkFd9fCHRyEiR%2F%2Bbtzu5GTIZs%3D&pq-origsite=primo&accountid=11311&sourcetype=Newspapers

https://www.proquest.com/docview/205214214?parentSessionId=BAfomMBkp0%2Bs%2BMqvKm5y2RnF6jI8hozjnFOsBH8aZhQ%3D&pq-origsite=primo&accountid=11311&sourcetype=Newspapers

Relevant Pages:

B'nai Haskalah